Odisha Police Faces 13,373 Vacancies, Strengthens Anti-Maoist Efforts

Bhubaneswar: Odisha is facing a significant shortage in its police force, with 13,373 posts lying vacant, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the Assembly on Monday. Alongside this, the state’s Fire Service Department has 481 unfilled positions, the Home Guard force has 2,416 vacancies, and jails and sub-jails are operating with 862 positions unoccupied. The Chief Minister assured the House that steps are being taken to fill these vacancies through selection and promotion processes to enhance the state’s security apparatus.

Providing an update on the state’s anti-Maoist operations, Majhi revealed that 123 Maoists have been killed in encounters, while 11 security personnel lost their lives during clashes between January 2014 and November 2024. Additionally, 336 Maoists surrendered during this period, reflecting a gradual weakening of insurgent activities in the state.

Majhi reaffirmed Odisha’s commitment to becoming free of Maoist influence by 2026. He noted that anti-Maoist operations have been intensified in affected areas through coordinated efforts involving Central Security Forces, Odisha Police, and neighboring state police departments. Intelligence-sharing has been significantly enhanced, with close collaboration between the State Intelligence Wing, the Central Intelligence Bureau, and agencies from neighboring states.

The Chief Minister emphasized that Maoist activities are being closely monitored, and real-time intelligence is guiding targeted operations to further erode their presence. These comprehensive measures are part of Odisha’s broader strategy to strengthen its security framework and ensure peace and stability in the region.